I didn’t know what happened next. I woke up the next morning, covered in a quilt with Japen beside me. I peeked under the covers and saw I was still fully clothed. I sighed in relief.
Sitting up, I winced as pain throbbed in my head. Looking around, I realized I was still in the same guest room. Then, I glanced at Japen, who was peacefully asleep beside me. Furrowing my brow, I wondered what had happened after… after he kissed me. I looked away. I couldn’t remember anything more. And why was my head hurting?
Rubbing my temple, I carefully climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. Closing the door, I stepped into the shower and let the water soothe me. As I cleaned up, the throbbing in my head slowly eased. I sighed, trying to figure out why my head had hurt so much-maybe because I skipped dinner last night. I rolled my eyes; Simmy hadn’t even bothered to bring me dinner. I’d have to deal with her later.
I picked out a white dress and some rubber shoes from my walk-in closet connected to the bathroom. Once dressed, feeling better after the shower, I headed out.
But as I exited the closet, I froze in my tracks. Japen was sitting on my bed. My lips parted in surprise as I stared at him.
His eyes scanned the room, and when our gazes met, he frowned slightly. Standing up, he walked past me without saying a word. He went to the door and tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge.
Frowning, I hurried over to the door, pushing Japen aside to try the knob myself. It still didn’t open. I slammed my fist against the door in frustration, gritting my teeth.
“How dare they!” I shouted. “Simmy! Open this door!”
“Azora,” Japen said, grabbing my shoulder to stop me from yelling. “She won’t open the door for you.”
I looked at him, narrowing my eyes. “Why are you still here?” I asked.
He looked away. “I couldn’t open the door last night. It seems Simmy hasn’t come back to let me out.”
I crossed my arms and sighed. “Go, take a shower. I have oversized shirts in my closet you can use.”
“Azora, about last night-”
I narrowed my eyes at him, so he gave a wry smile and hurried into the bathroom. I heard the door shut. I sighed heavily.
I didn’t know what Simmy was planning, but having Japen in my room could cause trouble, not just for me but for him too. I had to get him out of here as soon as possible. If Dad found out he’d spent the night in my room… My expression softened as I glanced at the closed bathroom door. Dad might treat Japen like he did Anthony.
I clenched my fist, glaring at the closed door. I wondered if they would bring me breakfast this morning. Simmy hadn’t brought me dinner last night; maybe she’d skip breakfast too.
Taking a sharp breath, I walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. I could hear the shower running from behind the closed bathroom door. Japen must be enjoying himself under there. I smiled and glanced down at the floor.
Having Japen with me in this locked room brought me some comfort. I couldn’t imagine what I would have done if he hadn’t shown up yesterday. But I really needed him to get out of here as soon as possible.
Then, I jumped when I heard a knock. “Azora, your breakfast is here. Your father also wants to speak with you. He’s here.”
It was Simmy’s voice. My eyes widened as I heard her unlock the door from the outside. No! Japen was still in the bathroom!
If they came in, Dad would find out someone was with me! I bit my lip. I couldn’t let him know Japen was here!
I dashed towards the bathroom, knocking hurriedly on the door but not loudly enough for the people outside to hear.
The sound of the shower stopped, and the bathroom door opened. Japen, still wet from the shower, appeared in the doorway, but I had more pressing concerns.
I pushed past Japen and entered the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind me just as I heard the main door open and footsteps enter the guest room.
“Azora-”
I quickly turned to Japen and covered his mouth with my hand.
I heard Dad’s voice. “Where is she?”
I gestured urgently for Japen to stay quiet. He nodded, and I grabbed his wrist, pulling him towards the shower. I opened the door and motioned for Japen to stand under the running water.
Sighing in relief, I knew they wouldn’t try to break into the bathroom. For now, Japen and I were safe.
Taking another deep breath, I glanced up at Japen. He stood under the shower, water streaming down from his hair to his chest.
When I looked at his face, I saw he was staring at me. I smiled wryly and turned away.
Well, he had a towel around his waist, so I was safe from any awkward moments. But that towel was now wet from him standing under the shower.
I gulped nervously, focusing on listening to the voices outside the bathroom. They were arguing about something, but I couldn’t make out their words over the rushing water.
I pursed my lips and crossed my arms, hoping they wouldn’t stay in the room. I bit my lip as my heart rate quickened. They needed to leave the room soon. I couldn’t let Japen stand under the shower too long; he might catch a cold.
I sighed and turned to look at Japen again. He faced the shower, eyes closed as the water cascaded over him. I watched his profile. I hadn’t realized how handsome he was.